"Happy Every Time I See Someone Die"…Controversy Over Doctor and Medical Student Community Posts Belittling Citizens

Leak of Doctor and Medical Student Community Posts
"Can't go to the ER? So what?"
"Let's make the Gaedoeji tremble in fear"

A post from within the medical community has been leaked, causing a stir. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

As the medical gap caused by the resignation of residents prolongs, it has been reported that malicious posts mocking citizens over incidents such as 'emergency room round-trip deaths' have been posted in a doctors' community. Although the posts are anonymous and reveal private opinions without filter, the fact that emergency patients are repeatedly dying because they cannot access emergency medical institutions has led to extreme remarks such as "I feel good every time I see Joseon people die," "I am happy every time I watch the news," "It doesn't matter if the people die," and "Can't get to the emergency room? So what?" This has been widely criticized as crossing the line. In particular, a blacklist maliciously revealing the real names of doctors working in emergency rooms was made public, intensifying public outrage and sparking controversy.

"Joseon bastards need to be beaten to come to their senses," "I don't care about emergency room round-trips"

On the 11th, several online communities posted claims and screenshots of internal posts from a 'doctors' community.' According to these, a netizen presumed to be a doctor said, "I want those damn bastards to die on the streets, crying in front of the emergency room 100 times a day," and "When they are dying on the streets coughing up blood, then they can bring a blank check." Another doctor continued with high-level remarks such as "Joseon bastards need to be beaten to come to their senses," and "I don't care about emergency room round-trips."

Netizens expressed outrage, saying, "I can't believe these posts were written by doctors who should prioritize the lives and health of the people." Especially with growing anxiety about emergency room operations ahead of the Chuseok holiday, many pointed out that writing mocking posts was inappropriate. Comments included, "After reading this, I now support the government," "It's shocking that they call their own people Joseon," "Were you really treated by people with such a mindset?" "You are the vulgar ones," "Increase the number by 5,000 immediately," "They think they are gods," and "Investigate immediately and revoke their licenses," showing strong anger.

Many mocking posts targeting the government also found... "The government needs to be taught a lesson"

Many posts mocking the government were also found. Within the community, posts such as "The government still hasn't come to its senses," "The government needs to be taught a lesson," "We must destroy the government and the people," and "Just lie down and watch the emergency room round-trips" were posted. Since February, residents have collectively resigned in protest against the government's medical school expansion, leaving hospitals and continuously refusing dialogue with the government while demanding the cancellation of the expansion.

As the medical gap prolongs, the number of large hospital emergency rooms ceasing operations is increasing. An emergency patient visiting a hospital in Seoul is seen waiting at the hospital's main entrance. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Meanwhile, recently in Cheongju, Chungbuk, a 4-month-old infant showing symptoms of hernia traveled 130 km to Seoul to receive treatment, highlighting the so-called emergency room round-trip incidents occurring nationwide and raising public concern. On the 10th, medical accident victims gathered to urge measures to address the ongoing chaos in medical settings. One bereaved family member appealed, "My 4-year-old son died after going through emergency room round-trips." Ahn Ki-jong, president of the Korea Patient Organization Federation, emphasized, "The emergency room round-trip problem is worsening due to the medical strike," and added, "The law must be implemented as soon as possible to prevent accidents where emergency transfers are refused."

As concerns grew, the government announced, "We will directly support labor costs to secure emergency room personnel ahead of the Chuseok holiday." The government plans to induce the recruitment of 400 new doctors and nurses and invest 3.7 billion KRW monthly.